Then, Babemba, gather your soldiers and hold the north gate of the
town for as long as you can, defending it with bows and arrows.
Afterwards retreat through the town, joining us among the trees on the
rocky slope that is opposite the south gate. Bid some of your men
clear the town of all the aged and women and children and let them
pass though the south gate and take refuge in the wooded country
beyond the slope. Let them not tarry. Let them go at once. Do you
understand?"
"I understand everything, lord Macumazana. The words of Dogeetah shall
be obeyed. Oh! would that we had listened to you and kept a better
watch!"
He rushed off, running like a young man and shouting orders as he
went.
"Now," I said, "we must be moving."
We collected all the rifles and ammunition, with some other things, I
am sure I forget what they were, and with the help of a few guards
whom Babemba had left outside our gate started through the town,
leading with us the two donkeys and the white ox. I remember by an
afterthought, telling Sammy, who was looking very uncomfortable, to
return to the huts and fetch some blankets and a couple of iron
cooking-pots which might become necessities to us.
Pages:
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558